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More than 3 million visitors a year travel to Ocean Shores, Washington and for good reason. It's the perfect place to fly kites, dig for clams, horseback ride or play a round of golf near the beach. The city of Ocean Shores sits on a 6,000-acre peninsula bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and the east by Grays Harbor. Freshwater lakes and inlets, such as Duck Lake, also combine to form 23 miles of waterways surrounding the city.

Ocean City State Park

Spanning 170 acres north of the city, Ocean City State Park is open year-round and provides public access to ocean beaches. Plan an extended stay at one of the park's 149 tent sites or 30 RV sites in advance (reserve it in advance). The sandy beaches are popular with swimmers, kite fliers and horseback riders, and with clam diggers during open season. The park has sheltered and open picnic areas and its parking lot has a capacity of 100 vehicles. Cars are permitted to drive on the hard-packed sand portions of the beach and rules of the road apply.

City Beach

Forming the western border of the city, six miles of Pacific beaches are open to the public, accessed from streets such as Chance A La Mer, Pacific Boulevard and Ocean Lake Way. Several hotels and resorts overlook the beach, with a short stretch of grassy dunes separating the sand from the hotel facilities. The beach qualifies as part of the state highway, which is why vehicles may slowly cruise and park on the shoreline. Digging for razor clams is a favorite activity during open season, typically during fall and winter, and kites are frequently seen flying over the beach on windy days.

Damon Point

Stroll along the beaches of Damon Point, a 1.5-mile land jetty stretching into Grays Harbor south of downtown Ocean Shores. A day-use park managed by the state parks department, 61-acre Damon Point is a popular destination for bird watchers and agate rock collectors. Five uncovered picnic shelters are available at the park. Be sure to dispose of any litter when leaving Damon Point, as its a protected area for birds. Parking is somewhat limited, with spaces for only six vehicles available near the entrance.

Oyhut-Johns River Wildlife Area

Head 4.5 miles south from downtown Ocean Shores to the Oyhut-Johns River Wildlife Area, west of Damon Point on the southern tip of the peninsula. The Oyhut-Johns River Wildlife Area spans 638 acres and is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a protected area for waterfowl. Visitors may access the area, which borders Grays Harbor. Birds, such as eagles and songbirds, nest at Oyhut Wildlife Area and deer frequent the area. Be aware that the area is in a primitive state and restrooms are not available.

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About the Author

Michelle Hornaday lives in Edmonds, Washington and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Washington State University and a Master of Education from Northern Arizona University. She is currently a freelance writer for various websites.

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